Free agent safety Eric Reid, who played his first five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, is slated to take part in what is believed to be his first free-agent visit of the offseason. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Reid will visit with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Sources: Free agent S Eric Reid, one several quality starters available at the position, is slated to visit the #Bengals. This is believed to be the first FA visit for the former #49ers first-rounder.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2018
There has been very little buzz surrounding Reid since the start of free agency with the Pro Bowl safety remaining available. He was one of the first NFL players to join former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in kneeling during the pre-game national anthem as a method to protest and bring awareness to social injustice.
Reid spoke to reporters following Stanford's pro day, which he attended in order to watch his younger brother, Justin, participate. NFL.com projects the younger Reid will be selected within the first two rounds of this month's draft.
"As I said before, I stand by what I've done, I know why I've done it," Reid told the media. "My faith in God is the reason. I can go to sleep at night confident that I did what I was called to do. I'm just going to stay positive, keep trying to stay in shape, and wait to see what happens."
Eric Reid says his agent is talking with multiple teams. No visits set. He said he won't be kneeling during anthem. 49ers John Lynch optimistic Reid's free agency will lead soon to a team pic.twitter.com/8GHZqORz79
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) March 22, 2018
Rapoport believes there is a real possibility that Reid signs with the Bengals during his visit.
#49ers FA S Eric Reid, whose #Bengals visit has been a long-time coming, has been methodical about his plans. Have to think there is a real chance he signs with this visit. Would allow Cincy to play more three-safety looks, which is their goal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 9, 2018
Reid, who the 49ers selected as the 18th-overall draft pick out of LSU in 2013, missed three games early in the 2017 season with a PCL injury suffered during a Week 2 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. Upon returning to the lineup, Jaquiski Tartt had already taken over Reid's role. To get him onto the football field, Reid was used at linebacker at times this past season.
After Jimmie Ward was lost for the season with a broken forearm, Reid returned to the starting lineup at strong safety with Tartt playing free safety. Tartt then also suffered a broken forearm, which opened the door for impressive rookie safety Adrian Colbert.
Reid has continuously stated he doesn't regret his stance. He understood there would possibly be NFL teams that avoid signing him because of the peaceful but often criticized method of protesting.
"There are probably teams that won't want to talk to me because of it," Reid said in December. "I'm hopeful that I will be on a team next year, but if not, again, that's OK with me."
Reid was named to the Pro Bowl and the PFWA All-Rookie Team following his rookie season in 2013. Over his five-year NFL career, Reid has 70 game appearances, started all but one of those games, registered 318 combined tackles, 10 interceptions, a sack, 34 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.
* Video courtesy of Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group.
